Quote:

---

Hornady, in conjunction with Marlin Firearms and Sturm, Ruger, followed much the same path. With the .22 WMR case as the starting point, a simple barrel change was sufficient for most .22 WMR firearms to chamber the new cartridge. In 2002 the first rifles and ammunition began appearing on the market, and the .17 HMR was an instant hit. While the ammunition was relatively expensive due to the high-performance .17 caliber bullets used, it was still cheaper than most centerfire ammunition. The availability of moderately priced and accurate firearms from Marlin and Ruger (leaders in the rimfire rifle market) plus the backing of a major ammunition maker allowed the .17 HMR to quickly gain momentum. Other makers of firearms and ammunition soon introduced .17 HMR offerings.

---